St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Preston has undergone a significant transformation since its previous inspection in January 2017, where it was rated as requiring improvement. The recent inspection in September 2019 has resulted in an overall effectiveness rating of good across all areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. The school has created an environment where pupils enjoy attending and feel safe. They settle well into their classes, form friendships, and exhibit good manners, reflecting the expectations set by the staff. Behaviour has notably improved, with a decrease in exclusions among older pupils, and the school community reports minimal bullying incidents, which are promptly addressed by the leadership.
The early years provision is effective, with children in Nursery and Reception quickly adapting to routines and engaging in well-structured activities that promote their physical and social skills. By the end of Year 1, most children can read, and the school provides targeted support for those who struggle, including newly arrived pupils and those with special educational needs. Reading is prioritized, with teachers receiving training to enhance their teaching methods. The curriculum is ambitious and broad, allowing all pupils to study a wide range of subjects. Leaders ensure that the curriculum is well-designed, enabling pupils to build knowledge progressively, particularly in reading, writing, mathematics, physical education, and science.
However, there are areas identified for improvement, particularly in French and history. The structure of learning in these subjects lacks the careful planning necessary to help pupils connect new knowledge with prior learning. Leaders are aware of these shortcomings and have plans in place to enhance the curriculum in these areas. The school is inclusive, effectively meeting the needs of new arrivals and pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they have access to the full curriculum.
The leadership team, including the headteacher and governors, is committed to maintaining a reasonable workload for teachers and prioritizing staff well-being. They actively engage with the community and parents, providing resources and courses to support children's learning at home. The school has established itself as a community hub, fostering strong relationships with families and ensuring that pupils develop essential social skills through various extracurricular activities.
Safeguarding is a high priority, with effective arrangements in place to protect pupils. Leaders ensure that all staff are trained to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns, working collaboratively with external agencies to provide support to families in need. The school has made significant strides in creating a safe and nurturing environment for all pupils.
In summary, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School has made commendable progress since its last inspection, achieving a good rating across all areas. The school provides a supportive and engaging learning environment, with a strong emphasis on reading and a broad curriculum. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in specific subjects, the leadership team is proactive in addressing these challenges. The school is well-regarded by pupils, parents, and staff, and continues to strive for excellence in education and community engagement.
